Chapter Six: Without Words
Sarutabaruta's peace was broken by draw of a Yagudo's blade. The tan, dull mountains overlooked the crimson kote wearing Yagudo. The sky's darkness was a lesser to the Beastman's feathers. The moon and surrounding stars brought light to the land. He glared at a pair of his own kind, both towering a sitting Tarutaru in a simple green coat and pants. It was obvious the two were about to strike their defenseless pray.
"Q-Quu Xuchi?! What are you doing here? Kawk!" a Yagudo with a rune written red cloth wrapped around his face and two-feet long beak. In his right hand was a weathered, battle-scared club. His emotion was twisted with fear.
"Chief Inquisitor of the Theomilitary…" his companion whispered with a gulp. On his daily route of religious respects he heard gossip: a soul without a single ounce of sympathy with assassination, torture, and intimidation skills that were simply unrivalled and unchallenged. He even heard, on his way to the shrine of the afternoon offering, that he killed a loyal soldier just for littering a single scrap of food one hundred yards away from Oztroja. 'Just rumors' he prayed.
Quu Xuchi eyes explored the scene. "Hmmm…. So you thought you could kill this innocent Tarutaru merchant?" Quu Xuchi shook his head in disgust. "I can't believe you would break such a law so close the religious shrines of your home! Kawk!". The Tarutaru merchant slowly got to his feet and quickly ran from sight.
"We are sorry! Kawk!" the mage bowed his head in shame.
"Very!" his friend joined in.
"What is the penalty on attacking a Windurstian citizen?" his red eyes looked calm: A soul deep in-touch with religion… not a torturer… not a killer. Even with his weapon out, there was an unexplainable cool about this Yagudo.
"Thirteen days, six hours, and thirty-two minutes in a cell without food" they both rushed to answer loudly. Bullies a couple seconds ago, now cower like children.
"The Avatar told me to settle things in Giddeus… I will make an example out you two…" with that threat he lifted his large, red-hilted katana. It was surreal. To be told you were about to die by the most infamous murderer of your entire nation. They vainly began to run towards their rocky home.
Within the gates of Windurst…Cronin took a sip and slowly lowered down his wine glass, filled with a cheap drink. Both him and Kurin-Juran were eating at the restaurant-like tavern 'Timbre Timbers' in Windurst Waters. The lights were dim and a Tarutaru male played the harp beautifully wearing a bard's tan outfit: a large puffy hat, tight vest with an undershirt, and baggy, checkered slacks. The low roof no longer bothered Cronin, as it did when he first entered
"So, how was your day?" Cronin asked his shorter friend.
"It was nicy-wicy... you?" the Kurin-Juran commented back.
"Same, same" he answered.
"Tomorrow we are going to try-wry to improve our rank?" Kurin-Juran asked, unrelated.
"I think our next mission will bring us to rank two" Cronin let out a smile. His wounds from the battle with the Moblin outlaw Jarublulix had healed totally, only leaving a minor scar or two. "Hmm. Now that I think about it, how about the day after tomorrow? I am going to be busy all tomorrow unfortunately" Cronin informed.
"No problem'aru" Kurin agreed without a conflict.
Silence came to be between the boys. The bard up on a stage played his flute like he didn't have a worry in the world. A few other tables were filled with costumers. It wasn't a necessarily a busy night, but the cooks were pleased.
Kurin sighed and looked away to the ground, hiding a frown. "What concerns you?" Cronin asked curiously.
"My father died this day, twenty years ago..." he revealed sadly.
"I see..." Cronin said with respect, "He was a hero to our nation".
"Meh, I am somewhat over it" Kurin grabbing his fork and stabbed down another piece of his dhamel steak. In truth, Kurin-Juran was not really over it. He had those nightmares, more and more. He hastily placed the piece of meat in his mouth, trying his best to conceal his sadness.
"You know my father died about six months ago" Cronin said to Kurin-Juran.
"Ack! I am so sorry-worry!" Kurin exclaimed, begging for forgiveness.
"It is okay" he gave a chuckle, "Saying sorry, in any situation, is stupid".
"Eh?" Kurin-Juran looked a Cronin confused.
"I don't like to hear it… so pointless. I can't stand the word. Why bother with it… a waste of air I could say" he smiled.
"Hmmm, I guess that is not too strange" the Tarutaru laughed.
"I am over it as well. I am not sure if you know, but I will tell you anyway: My father was the Bastokian ambassador of all Windurst to and from trade and affairs relating to the republic. I am worried I will be asked to replace him..." Cronin, getting back to the topic, told him finishing the last remains of his meal. Cronin, unlike his Tarutaru companion, was never really close to his always-distant father.
"Replace-walace him?" he asked.
"Yes... I have a lot of training in that area of occupation. But..." Cronin said with a deep breath, "I have my mother's blood in me I have been told. To climb the highest mountain, slay the greatest dragon, and find the priceless treasure: That kind of crap".
Kurin-Juran gave a laugh followed by Cronin's confusion. "Altana gives you many choices in life. Only you can choose them. If you ever come to situation that you are forced upon, you are dying... you must break from that" the Tarutaru said words wiser than he knew.
"Haha... I guess so" Cronin responded a bit surprised at Kurin-Juran's sudden wisdom. He had finished his plate.
"Now I see... so that tactic-wactic you used against Jarubluix was from your training. Smartaru" Kurin realized out loud.
Cronin stood up and gave a loud yawn, stretching. "I am going to get some sleep. Want to split the check or-" Cronin asked. By now, Kurin-Juran had also cleaned his plate of food.
"Don't worry, I got it. I just achieved 'Recruit' status at the fishing guild, so I would like to treataru" Kurin assured.
"Oh, congratulations! I'll ask you about how the test went later. Good night" Cronin spoke while walking towards the door then stopping at the arch, "Two days from now, meet at Leviathan's Gate… I'll inform the Mithra".
'Oh Sakeru will be traveling with us permanently?' Kurin-Juran thought to himself as he placed a bag of gil next to a bill. Kurin wasted no time and got to his bed for a good rest.
"Hey old friend! I heard your little boy-woy is now four years old?" a short figure wearing a green tunic full of various colorful patterns with a pointy roof of the hood, asked a blond haired Tarutaru who wore a green uniform and a pair of black slacks. The tunic was the minister uniform and the other a War Warlock uniform. Guided by his hand was a small, blue-eyed Tarutaru boy. The child seemed unaware of his surroundings. The bright rays of light beamed through the glass windows.
"Yes, he is such a nice boy…" the older Tarutaru rubbed his silver hair.
"I've heard rumors… that he is 'special'" the minister brought the sensitive topic up.
"Yes Karuha-Baruha… he suffers-wuffers from that from an exotic disease. He has yet to learn to speak, without words… and actarus like a doll most of the time" the father frowned at the young Tarutaru's face and continued; "It is quite tragic".
Both of the Tarutarus were in the most north residence of Windurst Walls. The small, tidy house was filled with books and puzzles, placed on shelves. On a small round table was the doctor's current project: eight magical charged blocks, one for each element of the magic spectrum. The goal was to make a rectangle out of the blocks without touching any of the opposing elements. It was truly a challenging puzzle.
"I think I know the one you are talking aboutaru… forget the name…" Karuha put on a face of recognition.
"They say, he will probably-lably die by the age of seven… he has no chance at life. Hinono was devastated" said the father looking at the doomed child.
"That is what they said about me…" Karuha-Baruha whispered, low enough to be unheard.
"It has been a long time hasn't it… since I was your student?" the blond haired Tarutaru changed the depressing matter, with a smile.
"Oh yes, that it has Bojuha-Nojuwa" the minister began to think back.
"Ever since my wifey got pregnant with Kurin-Juran… five years ago" Bojuha brushed off his uniform, letting go of the dazed Kurin. The little boy walked like a toddler to the puzzle. He began to play with the parts lying on the table.
"Is it true… thataru the beastmen have some kind of leader who attacked San d'Orian knights deployed in Beaucedine Glacier and Xarcabard?" Bojuha started to talk about politics.
"It would seem so" Karuha served himself some green Windurstian tea, "You?".
"No thank-wanks…" Bojuha passed and sat down at a table parallel to the one where the puzzle rested, "Do you think they will attack Bastok, Jeuno, Tavnazia, and us too? Maybe even Kazham and the few minor towns on the main land?"
"I am notaru certain… I think we should investigate this new king… he goes by the alias Shadow Lo-" Karuha ended his own sentence early at the sight of Kurin.
"Kurin-Juran!" Bojuha-Nojuwa shouted. The baby-like kid was messing with the hard worked on puzzle. Bojuha restraint his child, while Karuha took a gaze at the toy. He was flabbergasted.
"This is all too familiar…" Karuha-Baruha said lightly, rubbing his chin. Kurin-Juran was a mentally disabled boy with no educational background what so ever, yet was able to solve a puzzle difficult to geniuses.
"Huh?" Bojuha-Nojuwa questioned.
"I want to tutor your son… for a year if possible" Karuha exclaimed, out of nowhere.
Bojuha-Nojuwa was stunned for a moment. "That would be such an honor-wonor, but I am not sure if Hinono could be parted with her son for more than a week!" the dad tried to explain.
"Please try…"
Kurin-Juran woke up, very refreshed. It was another one of those dreams. Kurin had a peculiar memory. He remembered everything since he was one year old, not too well though.
A day of fishing passed quickly and both of them stood at Leviathan's Gate, on the next day. Again Windurst's sky would bare the sun. Kurin-Juran was in his usual tunic, with the hood down like how he always had it while in towns. Cronin was in his lizard leather armor and had a shield rested to his arm, just as before. The tan vest was filled with scars from the previous battles. His sword had been polish to hide any damage from combat, shinnying in the sun's reach while holstered to his waist.
Cronin gave an annoyed growl. "Where is she!?" he snarled as he kicked a rock close to his feet. It bounced off some random rocky wall.
"That crazy-wazy Mithra" Kurin-Juran sighed annoyed.
A wooden automaton figure on wheels rode by. It was a Cardian. A cheery little Tarutaru girl with dyed red hair was guiding it. "I know you been hurting all over-rover! But, we are going to fix that" she smiled at the face of weird looking robot.
"ThAnK YoU!" it spoke in a broken, yet unexpressive voice.
Just far enough to still be viewed a Mithra made her way towards the pair. The sun was bright, forcing her to shelter her eyes from it with her hand. "Sakeru! Your late!" Cronin yelled to her from the distance.
Sakeru Ghiibi wore scale mail armor set with a Sapara at her side, also like before. She shortly made it to them. "I know, I know... I am sorry. I was caught up in this story" she excused just as quick.
"Hmmm, story-wory?" Kurin wondered aloud.
"About this Rank one Tarutaru on a mission to recharge a group of magical orbs. After he did so, he was attacked by a group of Cardians on his way back with the revived orbs. The orbs were stolen and he is still in a coma" she told with an over animated tone.
"Wow..." "I am afraid-waid" were the boys' responses.
"Well enough of that, lets do a mission" Cronin said, but Kurin-Juran was still worried about the 'Cardians of the Dark'.
Many years ago, soon after the Crystal War, these strong Cardians started to rebel led by the infamous four Ace Cardians. They wandered about the magic towers, but only had total control of the southwest and the northeast towers. Kurin had yet to see one face to face, not that he wished so. He much rather stick to the friendly kind in Windurst.
Cronin, Sakeru, and Kurin-Juran began their talk with the gate guard, who was only a short walk away. "Hey I heard of you three on defeating Jarublulix. Starting to get a little famous around herrrre... well not that famous" she complimented and smiled. It was the same leather vest wearing Mithra who assigned Cronin and Kurin-Juran their first mission.
"Thanks. We would like to complete another mission, together" Cronin as the team's leader spoke for the group.
"I see... well I got one just perrrfect for you. Go to Optistery and talk to minister Tosuka-Porika. Ask for more details there. Good luck adventurers" she said with a salute.
"Thank you, once again, we won't let you down..." Cronin said, and all three of them saluted back.
Now, a distance from the mission-giving Mithra, they decided Kurin-Juran would get the info while they waited in Bomingo Round, Windurst Wood's fountain and center. The library-based ministry of Windurst was in northern part of Windurst Waters: Huntsman's Court, in fact only a short distance from 'Timbre Timbers', where Kurin and Cronin ate last night. Kurin-Jurin gently gave the door a knock, opening for him.
A panicking Tarutaru walked back and forth in the room. Kurin-Jurin instantly could tell it was Tosuka-Porika because of his green tunic with strange designs and a crown-shaped hood. Only ministers wore clothing that resembled that. The Optistery had two buildings, Kurin in the east one. This house was used to store thousands of books as Kurin-Juran could see. These magical books held spells or hidden knowledge that disappeared from the manuscript once read and then was burned into the reader's mind.
Kurin-Juran made his presence clear by shouting "Hello minister-sinister Tosuka-Porika!".
The Tosuka-Porika suddenly broke out of his thinking and looked to the adventurer of equal height. "Ah! It is the adventurer those folks-wolks at Heaven's Tower sent? Thank the stars!" he cheered. Kurin-Juran was a bit surprised but moved to greet the task giver.
"Yes, that is who I am, Kurin-Juran. I will fix your problem'aru..." he assured with a graceful nod.
"Bah-wah! It is far worstaru than you can imagine-gagine. The mighty 'Book of the Gods' has been stolen!" he shouted with fear.
'Book of the Gods... why do I remember that name?' Kurin mind wandered off.
"Hello? Are you listening? This is a big problem-woblem." Tosuka-Porika was now shouting, "We are all in huge trouble-wouble! The Book of the Gods holds the secrets of the magical ruins and the powerful, yet forbidden, magic that the Hero of Windurst crafted years ago!" Toskuka-Porika was now even building a sweat. This Minister was clearly a worrier. The Hero of Windurst was the alias of Kahura-Bahura, the Tarutaru who saved Windurst from ultimate doom at her darkest hour.
"I understand the situation. I will take it seriously. What do you want me to do?" Kurin asked Tosuka.
"I have an idea on who must have stolen it: none other than that infamous-enwamous 'Cat Burglar'. I am not sure on her real name-wame but I could imagine you can find her" the minister finished.
"Okay, I got it. This mission may be toughy-foughy, but I will be able to do it" Kurin said with a bow, and made his way out of library-like room.
'The Cat Burglar...' he began to think while he made his way to the Windurst Woods district, 'Those kids called that Mithra that...'. Kurin-Juran was hit by a flashback.
The young adventurer was walking into Windurst for the first time in twenty years. His eyes looked about the city full of green and vegetation. Suddenly, almost from the shadows it seemed, a Mithra with red hair and a red blouse and loincloth popped in front of the Tarutaru. Her thick blouse was loose and covered past her cloth.
"Hey kid, you look lost... I am going to guess you arrrre new" she said in a clear, rebellious voice.
"Um…" Kurin-Juran was a bit shy from the sudden stranger, "I guess, I lost my map on the way here from Mhaura".
"Well" the attractive Mithra turned forward and began to talk about the area, "You are currently in Porrrrt Windurst. This district has the fishing guild, some warehouses, a handful of floating boat-side stores, and the airship agency. You can get a good view of the ocean herrre too. If you don't mind the seafood smell, this place ain't half bad"
"Ah, okay. Thanks a lot!" Kurin-Juran said with a smile.
He never knew people in the big city would be so helpful. Windurst wasn't much different than Mhaura it seemed to him. Unknown to the Tarutaru, sometimes intent can be hidden. Her eyes quickly gawked at his bag of gil.
"Hey now... lets not forget my reward" she said with a grin.
"Reward?" Kurin-Juran's smile fell to a frown.
"You know ffffor my services. I think... all your money will do!" she turned around viciously to Kurin-Juran.
"Ack! Are you some kind of thief?!" Kurin-Juran slowly backed away in fear.
"Hahahaha" she laughed eclipsing her mouth with her right hand.
She was ready to pounce on the fooled Tarutaru, but was interrupted by a flying object. Striking her on her head, she instantly hissed. Strangely enough what hit her was an onion.
"What the hell?!" she roared and quickly checked to see who did it.
To her dismay were five young Tarutarus and two young Mithras: all children. "Star Onion Brigade! Chwarge at the Cat Burgler!" the lead Tarutaru boy said, followed by the onion-aimed crew.
"Oh man... not these SOBs" she sighed, "See you around new comer".
She raced up the nearest path and was quickly followed by the gang of youngsters. "She's getting away!" a small Tarutaru girl with a pink hat cried. Kurin-Juran was simply in awe.
"Windurst... is strange..." Kurin whispered leaning forward to see what happened to those kids and that thief. No luck on his attempt.
'That happened two weeks ago... only a minute later I was greeted by a War Warlock who happened to be chatting to Cronin...' were his thoughts after the quick image disappeared from his mind, now at the fountain.
He looked around and could see the two sitting on the ledge.
"Well, your eyes look pretty" Cronin told the Mithra, in mid conversation.
"Grrr, Cronin do you have to flirt with every female in a two mile-wile radius?" scolded his friend.
Cronin gave a blush and scratched the back of his head. "Flirt? Who is flirting? Sakeru is my business partner, just trying to find out more about her..." he said giggling, "Silly Tarutaru. I don't know what he is talking about".
Kurin-Jurin didn't believe the words coming out of his mouth. Looking at Sakeru's facial expression, it looked like Cronin 'flirting' was not even getting a reaction. He told the details of the mission to the pair.
"Cat Burglar, eh? Didn't you meet that Mithra on your arrival here two weeks ago?" Cronin asked the Tarutaru.
"Yes, long-wong time ago that was, it seems though..." he answered the noticed Sakeru was lost in thought, "Sakeru?".
"Oh I know this 'Cat Burglar'. I know her too well. Her real name is Nanaa Mihgo... we go way back" Sakeru told them.
"Ah, so like 'friends' way back?" Cronin asked smiling with this possible lead.
"No, more like... hmmm... 'I am going to kill you the next time I see you' way back" Sakeru said, almost angry now. The other faces showed the expression of surprise.
"That's… nice" they both said in sync, a bit afraid.
"Anyway I know exactly wherrre she is. One of the northeast house sections of the Mithran residential areas is where her gang hangs out. Lets go there now, only a four minute walk" she told them. They both got up and followed her to where she once lived.
"I think we are going to see a 'cat fight' when we get there... the pulling hair and scratching each other faces off kind of thing..." Cronin whispered to Kurin.
"I hearrrd that..." she growled at the Hume, who jumped up in fear.
The Mithran homes were located behind Windurst's main Dhamel farm. Their houses were on a boardwalk that was build above minor creeks and grass. It was called the 'Mithran Groves'. Mithran children running around playing with toy bows and dolls became common sight. "Wow, I never been to this part of Windurst" Cronin noted, looking around.
Kurin-Juran jumped up. Sakeru growled. Cronin spotted the cat burglar, Nanaa Mihgo. With the red blouse wearing Nanaa Mihgo was a pair of shady looking Mithras, with just as skimpy clothing as her. "Nanaa it has been a long time!" Sakeru called.
"Sakeru Ghiibi... not that long!" Nanaa welcomed her friend. Nanaa's minions got in position to flank the trio.
"Ugh..." Cronin groaned as he noticed their formation
"Hey! You tried to steal my gil-wil before!" Kurin-Juran growled at the Mithra.
"Hmmm..." the red-haired Nanaa looked at his face thinking for a bit then came to a sudden realization, "Oh yeah, that newbie!".
"N-newbie?" Kurin-Juran mumbled, looking the other way.
"Well Sakerrrru, what do you need out of me? Info? What?" Nanaa curiously said.
Nanaa Mihgo's two friends, Bopa Greso and Cha Lebagta moved a little closer. Bopa Greso had a lizard leather vest with a very short subligar, revealing almost of all her slim legs and black boots. Her golden hair was tied into two pigtails. Cha Lebagta had a bronze harness, with a black cloth covering her breast, silver gauntlets, and a bronze subligar similar to her partner in crime. On her tiny feet were tan shoes. Her short brown hair was under a round leather cap graced by a red-tipped feather.
"We heard you stole a book from the Opistery" Sakeru began integrating her rival.
"Hmmm, I steal a lot of things. What exactly arrrre you talking about here? Got a name?" Nanaa was quickly answered.
"'The Book of the Gods', I hearrrr it is quiet the relic..." Sakeru replied, she knew Nanaa must have stolen it and her voice expressed it.
"Nope, neverrr heard of it" Nanaa shrugged.
"Liar!" Sakeru proclaimed loudly.
"Liar? Hmp. You are still the annoying little girl" Nanaa rejected the claim.
"Grrr, shut it tomboy" Sakeru insulted.
"Tomboy?!" Nanaa was offended.
"Oh no, this isn't looking good" Cronin said, covering his face in disgrace.
"Rememberrrr that last time I proved you wrong?" Sakeru grinned cockily.
"Oh yeah, when I beat you up silly?" Nanaa chuckled.
"What?! I recall you crying, running to your mommy!" Sakeru argued.
"Psh, don't be embarrassed" Nanaa smirked
"When will you stop being a liarrr?" Sakeru questioned sarcastically.
"Stop calling me that!" Nanaa words grow with hatred. Both of their faces were inches from each other. Suddenly it happened: Sakeru gave a slap across Nanaa's face.
"You-!" she returned the favor. Sakeru quickly grasp her face, in pain.
Sakeru pulled out her sword and Nanaa did the same with her knife. The minions also got ready to enter the fray, unveiling their once concealed daggers. Cronin and Kurin-Juran, not happy at their feline companion, sighed.
"Cronin! Kurin-Juran! Give me a hand here!" Sakeru looked back to them.
"I don't hit girls!" Cronin resisted.
Kurin-Juran simply avoided them. "I am not going to get involved" he uttered walking back.
Nanaa Mihgo swung fast, very fast. He ears flopped with every stab and cutting motion. Sakeru, very agile was able to dodge the swift blows while dishing out her own.
Before Cha or Bopa could help their leader, Nanaa quickly ordered them "Don't worry about me! Take out the Hume!". Cronin's eyes widen as they charged at their new prey.
"Oh Altana, what have I gotten myself into?!" Cronin braced for an attack, sword and shield ready. Bopa leap into the air and grabbed her dagger with her right hand as it stabbed into Cronin's shield, with her left hand holding down her hat. Cronin pulled his shield back causing Bopa to lose balance and panicky retreat. Cha, more direct than he friend, led a campaign of constant and furious dagger swipes at the charming hero. Cronin was trapped under the array of attacks.
Nanaa dagger flew to the ground, just parried from Sakeru quick sword skill. Nanaa let out a sweeping kick to Sakeru's legs, quickly making her drop to ground. With the time gained Nanaa recovered her weapon. Now at a draw they stood six feet from each other. Nanaa jumped on top the table, as Sakeru lead a full on dash. With the new advantage, Nanaa Mihgo was able to land a thin cut just below Sakeru Ghiibi's eye.
"Witch! I will make you pay forrr that!" Sakeru roared with an angry Mithran voice.
Cronin, desperate, pushed forward with his shoulder. Such a change in combat broke Cha Lebagta's pace. Dropping his shield, Cronin quickly grabbed Cha's dagger wielding arm. He took a large sniff, close to Cha face. "Wow you smell pretty fine. What perfume is that?" he said with wink and smile.
Kurin-Juran once heatedly watching, now rolled his eyes. "Hopeless flirt" he swung his hands down.
"Pig!" Cha Lebagta roared and gave kick to the back of Cronin's heel.
"Ow!" Cronin jumped away on one foot grabbing the other, letting go of her wrist. "What a tease!" he frowned as he repositioned himself. Cha quickly got ready to fight once again, getting into a battle stance. "Wait a second… where is your brunette frie-" he began saying until he felt cold iron scratching against his neck.
"Move and I will cut you to pieces!" Bopa Greso whispered loudly into his ear.
"Eep!" Cronin looked down at the knife, just above his jugular. "Would you let me go if I told you that were prettier than those two other Mithra?" Cronin grinned. Bopa griped grew firmer. "I was joking!" Cronin gasped for air.
Nanaa smiled at the sight of Cronin's capture. "Looks like yourrr little Hume friend is all tied up!" she bragged.
Sakeru looked back. "Cronin! Are you okay?" she was shock that he was defeated.
"Outside the cat lady putting a knife to my neck? Just peachy!" he was very sarcastic.
He noticed Bopa Greso was slightly distracted. He grabbed the knife baring hand and pulled it down. Then twisted her arm to her back waist and threw her forward. She quickly regained her balance and turned to the Hume.
"Hmmm… looks like there is no winners yet" Cronin grinned.
"Nanaa, I'll make you eat yourrr words!" Sakeru taunted, readying to pounce.
"Good work team!" Kurin-Juran cheered from the sidelines.
"Shut up you lazy Tarutaru!" both of them shouted at him. He cowed as the abuse.
"It is about time we take these fouls out" Cha Lebagta said frustrated.
"Yah…. Ready Nanaa?" Bopa Greso asked.
Nanaa didn't bother answering as she placed her knife against Sakeru's scimitar, surprising her. Cronin reached for his shield and reequipped it to his left arm. Bopa Greso quickly was fended off. Cha Lebagta was about to land an intense blow, but was hit a by an arrow. Even Cronin was shocked.
"What the-" Cha pulled the pain-giving arrow out of her shoulder. It gave no blood. Her body suddenly fell numb. She couldn't move.
Two more arrows flew in the air, hitting Nanaa and Cronin's shoulder and back. They too were paralyzed. Sakeru and then Bopa were hit. All of the fighters could no longer move. They all seemed unhurt but trapped by some kind of curse. The fight was over.
"Who could have done that?" Kurin-Juran asked, looking for the bow user. He heard footsteps on the wooden platform. Slow paced and soft, the walking person reached the fight.
A very familiar Mithran voice was heard in the air: "You do know that fighting within the walls of the Federation is highly illegal". Kurin's heart dropped. He spun around to see a white, loosely shorthaired Mithra holding a bow downward. She wore a white cloak, with hood down, and white armor: the uniform of a Sybil Guard. Her face had been painted with tribal lines under her eyes and over her brow.
"K-Koshii!" Kurin couldn't hold his joy.
"Kurin-Juran…" Koshii smiled. They rush to each other. Koshii kneeled down and they gave each other a big hug.
"I can't believe its really you" Kurin-Juran eyes were glued to his Sybil Guard friend, totally forgetting about his possibly injured friends.
"I didn't know you were in Windurst..." Koshii said, missing the accent Mithrans usually had.
"Oh yeah, I came here two weeks ago. I see you are ranked high already. Wow your miles ahead of me..." Kurin slapped his own head.
"Well every adventurer has their start" Koshii gave a chuckle.
"Hey what did you do to my friends and Nanaa?" Kurin wondered looking at them. On all five of their faces was anger. They became like statues.
"I dipped those arrows in paralyzing poison... they are perfectly safe and the potion should run out seconds from now" she said with a smile. All of them were freed in the next five seconds.
"God! I hate that! Don't everrrr do that again!" Nanaa roared.
"Wow, we can actually agree on something" Sakeru said lightly, brushing herself off.
"Shush" Koshii said placing her bow on her back, "Nanaa! We know you have the Book of the Gods! Where is it?".
She laughed. "Under Windurstian law you can't touch me, but I will return it... it proved useless to me..." she said disappointed.
"Useless? Whatever, where is it?" the Sybil Guard, confused for only a moment, questioned.
"Hmm, tell the newbie to go alone to my hideout... it is in East Horutoto ruins, where that bastard goblin gang used to be" Nanaa finished walking away, her minions following.
Koshii, Sakeru, and Cronin's eyes all looked at the Tarutaru. "What the?! Why does everyone think she means me" Kurin-Juran sighed. Cronin gave out a loud chuckle.
"Hey at least you didn't get frozen like me by… Koshii was it?" Cronin humorously said. Nanaa was now gone.
"Yes… and aren't you Cronin, Garag's boy? I am sure getting in trouble isn't exactly what your father wanted you to do after he left this world" Koshii raised her eyebrow at him.
"Bah" Cronin looked away in guilt.
"Koshii, lets go talk sometime" Kurin-Juran said as all four them began to leave the Mithra Groves.
"I would like that" she said with a bow.
"Haha, okay see you then..." Kurin-Juran waved goodbye.
Koshii took another path that lead to Windurst Walls, while Kurin-Juran and crew walked towards the Windurst Wood's town square.
Both Cronin and Sakeru glared down at Kurin from their heavenly position above him. "Why you didn't tell us know a Sybil Guard?" they both asked him.
"Um yah... well I didn't know Koshii was a guard before today..." Kurin-Juran gave a chuckle, "We traveled to Mhaura together with our families about twenty years ago... just before the battle of Windust. I was shocked to see this rebuilt so differently".
"Koshii?" Sakeru looked down at the Tarutaru.
"Yeah that is her name. Both our fathers died on the trip, and for about three years, we grew up in Mhaura as the best of friends. Until her mother and her came back to Windur-" Kurin was cut off.
"Father?! Her father came to this continent?" Sakeru shocked.
"Oh yeah, I guess that is a bitaru weird, you would have to ask her" Kurin finished the conversation.
Night came within hours. Kurin-Juran was making his way to the east magical toward like he did before. Once entering the aged ruins he noticed that there was less Goblins, in fact, none. "I guess they really did move back..." he said silently.
Kurin made it past the secret door to the rocky area and soon found an old steel door. On a sign next to it was "Nanaa Mihgo's Hideout". 'Hmmn, not really smart to tell where your hideout is... then again she does love attention it seems' Kurin pondered. He knocked gently on the door until he noticed he could open the door. He slowly pushed the door aside.
The room he entered had two stories. The ground level that had a table in the middle graced with a pot of flowers and the upper floor that could be accessed from the case of stairs to Kurin's right. All along the room was boxes and chest. It was nice looking considering it was built right out of the rock. He looked about harder, but the three Mithras were absent.
"Hmm..." he was confused. Behind him, the door was opened. "Who?" he said, quickly turned around. With the door swinging shut, three familiar Mithras entered the room. 'Nanaa Mihgo' answering his own question in his head.
"Hahaha" Nanaa burst out laughing, not alone in expression. "I am happy you came this farrr for our little transaction. Well this is how it is going to work... drop all your money and equipment right now!" she ordered with greed in her tone.
Kurin-Juran jumped back, he felt the white heat of betrayal deep in his chest.
"Don't look surprised" she walked closer to the Tarutaru soon to be victimized.
"Wow Nanaa, your plan worrrked well, to lure adventurers here for the book" Cha praised her leader.
Suddenly the door opened once again. Nanaa Mihgo turned her head to see who came in with a "Huh?". She was extremely surprised to see who it was. Three cardians, these had a magical aura that frighten Kurin-Juran.
"You have stolen from us!" "Stole from our master!" two of the cardians to the side said, behind the leading one.
"We have found you Mithra" the leading one said.
"Oh no. This is not good, they arrre the legendary Ace Cardians. We don't stand chance" Bopa worried with Cha also in fear, but Nanaa was able to hide it in a mask of courage.
"Tell us now! Where is the book?" the lead one asked her in rage.
"Of courrrse I wouldn't dare lie. Carrrdians can read if someone is lying or not. You will find what you want in the 'House of the Hero', by some boxes... happy? Stop chasing us around" she answered confidently. All three of them stayed quiet for only a moment.
"You also know... that us cardians can never lie..." the lead one didn't finish its sentence.
"Crimes against the master are unforgivable" the most left one told them.
"We will be taking our leave... once you are silenced forever" the one of the right continued. They moved forward with their staffs ready to attack, twirling them with their three-fingered hands.
"Y-You double-crrrrossers!" Nanaa was now giving into the fear. She and her crew retreated slowly.
Kurin-Juran was just stunned and speechless through these events. Suddenly a wave of cold energy was felt. Kurin-Juran felt something different about this black magic though. It was so... fast. A red flash filled the room and a giant wave of fire explored from within the right cardian. Now into pieces, the automaton fell to ground, or at least the half that was still together did.
"This time you've gone too far!" a Tarutaru said, making his appearance.
"It is... you" Kurin recognized the spell caster's face.
"Don't forget, when you cannot lie... you should value every word you say with your life" he warned them.
"It is the Minister of the Orastery!" the cardian who was adjacent to his destroyed ally.
"Ajido-Marujido.!" the lead one said.
'That aura... it is stronger than I could ever imagine' Kurin-Juran thought.
"Oh it is you... adventurer from before, nice to see you here. I would imagine these cats-wats were about to steal you to the bare" he smirked. Ajido-Marujido focused back at the evil arcanas.
"So, 'Cardians of the Dark' you have investigatarued me haven't you? Since neither of you can tell a lie, tell me this" he went on while the cardians listened in fear of the Tarutaru, "What your evil enterprise is searching for? What are its goals? Don'taru tell me that you after the forbidden magic as well? That couldn't be true, could it?!".
The cardians just looked at the powerful War Warlord of Windurst and drove away dragging the larger piece of their friend with them. "Of course they could just keep their silence. I didn't think of that..." he sighed at his failure.
"So I see now... stole that book from our Cardian friends there, eh? But to hide it right under our noses in ol' Karaha-Baruha's residence? That is pretty darn smart for a Mithra. It is always darkest under the candle you could say" Ajido-Marujido rubbed his chin. "Well just hand me the key, his ring, I will deal with this" he offered his hand to the Mithra.
Nanaa just smirked and handed him a ring attach to a gold chain. "You do know they will go after you once you have that book. Well whateverrr, they will leave me alone" she warned.
Ajido looked to Kurin-Juran. "I am going to guess you will be leaving with me? You stand a cat in hell chance of keeping all that Black Mage equipment intact, if you stay here" he walked away laughing, while equipping the chain around his neck.
Before Kurin-Juran left, he turned to the thieves. "Nanaa Mihgo... Please understand, I want to be your friend. Lets try to put all this behind us" he tried his best to get some good out of her.
"Get out of herrre while you can!" Bopa yelled at him.
"You got to be rrrreal stupid to try something like this!" Cha scolded as well.
Nanaa silenced them both with a hand gesture. "Kurin-Juran, you should get back to Windurst Walllls as-soon-as-possible. Be careful of Ajido-Marujido... his lust for power is much greater than the Cardians of the Dark" she gave the warning as a sign of truce, for now.
Kurin-Juran made his return to Windurst after a short walk. He wasted no time trying to catch up with Minister of the Orastery, who warped minutes after the encounter.
Now in Windurst Walls, he knew exactly where the House of the Hero was. He had been there before a long, long time ago. While passing a couple of bridges and houses of famous former ministers, he gazed at Heaven's Tower. It was so big, towering anything near it. The tree was strong with life as it ruled the sky above the water filled Windurst Walls. Now he was at the most north building in Windurst Walls, where the spell-weaver of summoning once lived. He walked up a small set of stairs and pushed open the door.
As he entered the dusty Windurstian style house, he saw Ajido with a unopened book in his hands, blue in color.
"Ajido-Marujido! Don't!" Kurin-Juran ordered hustling to him.
Ajido, ignored him and opened the Book of the Gods, ready to read it. Once open, the Minister of the Orastery looked blankly at the book for a moment. "This... this can not be!" he shouted in horror. "The Book... 'The Book of the Gods'! It is blank!" showing the aged blue book to Kurin-Juran. Its white pages were without words. Without a single word, the book was completely blank.
Kurin-Juran knew once a book had been read, the words that once graced it would disappear. Someone, outside Ajido-Marujido, had read the Book of the Gods. Ajido-Marujido was simply stunned by the turn of events.
"Ajido, what does this mean?" Kurin asked with fear in his tone.
"This might be the end-wend of Windurst... if a dangerous figure got it... I don'taru want to imagine it..." he said worried. He pushed in his glasses and, now calm, walked out of the house. Kurin-Juran followed him.
"What are you going to do?" he asked.
"I don't know... the magic of the Fullmoon Fountain is beginning to fade" Ajido-Marujido's answer was simple and he soon disappeared, leaving the book to Kurin-Juran.
'What is going to happen next?' Kurin-Juran thought gazing the blue covered book.
Gumbah noticed Shinato returning home, walking down Ore Street. "Shinato!" his rough voice shouted down the street of poor citizens. Cheaply built houses were on the right and left of the Hume and Galka.
Shinato turned to see who is was. "Hello Gumbah!" he smiled at the approaching Galka kid.
"I have a question…" Gumbah told him while catching his breath.
"Shoot" Shinato encouraged as he pushed back his black hair. Shinato was enjoying his well-earned vacation since he last saw Bleeding Wolf.
"I wanted to know if you could…" Gumbah looked a bit nervous, "if you… could train me to be a Dark Knight".
Shinato gave a second for the words to sink in. "Gumbah… grow up a little more, then we will talk" he answered nodding. Shinato's smile was false. Shinato couldn't imagine directing the sadistic training to become a Dark Knight, let alone put someone like Gumbah through it. For a long time, Shinato absolutely hated Zeid. He wanted to kill him… until the day he heard he died.
The boy looked a bit disappointed. "It is okay… I understand" he frowned with those words.
"Well… why don't you just try to find Zeid and ask him?" Shinato suggested shrugging.
"So Weiri's friend… Zeid, is alive?" Gumbah said, his voice sounding a bit astonished.
"Yup… thought I have no idea where he is at" Shinato finished the conversation.